Crediton one of best places to live in the UK

Three Devon towns and one village have been named in the Top 20 places in England and Wales for families.

The league table has been compiled by onefamily.com

In total, 71 different sets of data across six criteria (education, childcare, safety, property, amenities and population) were analysed for each location and attributed either a positive or negative score. An overall score for each postcode was then calculated giving the top 20 for 2015.

The Devon locations are:

SHEBBEAR (7)

Shebbear, a rural village in Devon with a small but thriving community of nearly 5,000 people, appeared in the Top 20 in 2012 but had dropped out in recent years as property prices in the South East continued to rise and the focus moved northwards. It has one of the highest concentrations of Early Years Childcare settings, ranked ‘outstanding’ in the country and the primary school in the centre of the village is also a real focal point for the community. The village centre is the focal point for the ‘Turning of the Devil’s Stone’ which happens every November 5th. Supposedly the devil dropped it when fighting with God, he lost and the stone fell on top of him flattening him underneath. Tradition has it that disaster will fall on the village if it isn’t turned once a year re-trapping him below. Perhaps this diligence to tradition of warding off evil is why it’s also fortunate to have the lowest crime rate recorded for any postcode in the Top 20.

CULLUMPTON (12)

A mid-Devon town with a population of 21,000, Cullompton is popular with commuters having a direct and frequent train service to both Exeter and Bristol and speedy access to the M5. Mentioned by King Alfred in his will, the town showed first signs of occupancy in Roman times with two forts situated just above it. Nowadays there is an active local community, the town centre being host to the oldest farmers’ market in the South West. Young children love the local Diggerland with its tractor and digger rides, whilst adventurous parents can take it to a whole new level with digger racing parties for over 17s only. Despite the number of commuters, the average salary is still below the national average at £18,938. Property is still affordable with a two bedroom home being just £160,271, nearly £40,000 below the national average. Benefitting from milder weather and having great Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 results, it is a popular place for families to settle.

CREDITON (14)

The third Devon town to appear in the Top 20 this year is Crediton, with a population of 19,000. The average value of a two bedroom property is below the national average at £170,678 but that’s mirrored by salaries being lower at £18,938. The town is situated in the vale of the River Creedy and is home to the Creedy Lakes where walkers and families enjoy the beautiful country setting and keen fishermen line the shore to catch the carp. The Doomsday survey of 1086 recorded that much of the land was still uncultivated and occupation of the town didn’t exist until around 1269. Low crime rates and above average school results at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4, makes this West Country town a good location to raise a family.

COLYTON (16)

Colyton is a small town on the south coast of Devon with a population of just 3,789. It had an early reputation of being the most rebellious town in Devon in the 17th Century due to the number of residents who took part in the Monmouth Rebellion. Crime rates are amongst the lowest in the Top 20. With easy access to both countryside and the coast Colyton, has family friendly attractions for all ages on its doorstep including the Axe Valley Wildlife Park, the Seaton Tramway and the Beer Heights Light Railway with wonderful views over Lyme Bay to Portland Bill. Established in 1546 Colyton Grammer School in Colyford has an enviable record of high ranking results at Key Stage 4 level, with an average 99% of pupils achieving grades A*-C this year. Average house prices are slightly above the norm at £216,962 and salaries only slightly below at £19,932 making it an affordable choice.